Supervisors:  Professor Rosanne Jepson (PI) Professor Jonathan Elliott Assoc. Prof Yu-Mei Chang Dr. Elisa Vasilopoulou 

Department: Clinical Science and Services 

Project Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in ageing cats. Decline in functioning nephrons drives intrinsic hormonal adaptations attempting to maintain phosphate homeostasis. The complex interplay between the kidney, intestines and bone that ensues is termed CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) with secondary consequences including alteration in bone morphology (renal osteodystrophy; ROD) and soft tissue mineralization (including nephrocalcinosis).  

Our group previously identified fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as an important indicator of whole-body phosphate status in early and later stages of CKD and to be a key contributor in an algorithm predicting CKD progression. a-klotho acts as an obligate membrane bound co-receptor for FGF23 in the tubules influencing phosphaturia but also circulates as a soluble hormone regulating FGF23 production, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and preventing fibrosis.  

This study aims to use residual stored plasma and urine from longitudinal monitoring and bone tissue from post-mortem examination to validate methods for the quantification of a-klotho, anti-oxidants, inflammatory pathways and markers of bone turnover and will use data to expand a previously established algorithm relating to progression of CKD.

Fees and Funding Fully funded by industrial sponsorship (Zoetis) inclusive of home status fees and stipend for a veterinary graduate (MRCVS).

Open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees.  EU/EEA and Swiss national students starting studies in the 2021/22 academic year or later academic years may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees nor claim any financial support for their studies dependent on your personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK). To help determine whether you would be eligible for home fees please see the UKCISA's 'Who pays 'home' fees for higher education in England?' guide found here.

Duration This is a 4 year full-time, fully funded studentship.

Location Camden

Start date: October 2025 - January 2026

Requirements:

Essential - 

Qualified veterinary surgeon who is MRCVS-eligible at the start of the studentship.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects independently.

Ability to work as part of a team including working within clinical environments.

Drive to understand pathophysiology of disease.

Desirable -

Experience of retrospective epidemiological research.

Experience of prospective clinical study design

Experience of laboratory-based research methodology.

Familiarity with statistical packages for data analysis.

Experience of scientific writing.

Experience of working in small animal clinical practice.

No laboratory animal work will be involved.

However, the successful candidate will be required to participate in the Royal Veterinary College Ageing Cat Clinics.

Please use your personal statement to demonstrate any previous skills or experience you have in using both qualitative and quantitative research methods and your motivation to undertake this specific PhD programme.

References

Elliott J, Tang PK. Fibroblast growth factor 23 – A review with particular reference to the physiology and pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis in the cat. Vet J. 2025;309:106271.  

Geddes RF, Elliott J, Syme HM. Relationship between Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Concentration and Survival Time in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2015;29(6):1494–501.                                                                         

Prud’homme GJ, Kurt M, Wang Q. Pathobiology of the Klotho Antiaging Protein and Therapeutic Considerations. Front Aging. 2022;3:1–24

How to Apply For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.

Interviews will take place REMOTELY   

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Professor Rosanne Jepson: rjepson@rvc.ac.uk  

Deadline: 01/09/2025